The contact between George Russell and Charles Leclerc in the Dutch GP sparked debate, with some considering the Monegasque’s move borderline but fair, while others, including Toto Wolff, believe that car number 16’s maneuver should actually have been penalized.

Asked by GPBlog, among other media, to comment on the incident at the end of the race, the Mercedes driver, who still managed to finish a positive fourth, said: “I don't think I've ever seen someone attempt to overtake on the outside of that corner, because just following the natural racing line, you end up in the gravel yourself.''

After a heavy retirement in the Dutch GP, the seven-time world champion will also start the next weekend in Monza from a disadvantaged position.

The Ferrari driverwill indeed serve a five-place grid penalty at the Italian round—his first in red—for failing to slow down under double yellow flags just before the start of the Dutch GP.

This was the explanation of the decision: ''Due to the nature of the track, the Race Director had informed all participants that the last corner before the pit lane would have double yellow flags waved. This was to ensure the safety of those on the grid and in the pit lane,'' the FIA document reads.